Go Green or Go Home

The green movement, like social media, hybrid cars, and Justin Bieber, is no longer a trend, it’s here to stay. As demand grows for sustainably built homes and buildings, the consumer grows savvier and the competition gets craftier.

“Greenwashing,” the practice of falsely claiming to be green, unfortunately runs rampant in the real estate industry. It takes an educated approach to tell which structures are truly green and which are simply taking advantage of the hot market. For this reason, consumers are turning to industry experts to guide them through the process of purchasing a green building. Make sure you are one of those experts by earning The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designation.

The NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designation was established in the spring of 2008 in response to growing demand. The program launched that fall and as of March 2010, over 4,000 individuals have been awarded the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designation and membership to the Green REsource Council, a unique community that connects like-minded REALTORS® green agents, brokers and property managers, working to green their businesses and their lives.

Recent studies suggest that green homes sell faster and for more money than their non-energy saving counterparts. According to a report by GreenWorks Realty in Seattle, new homes certified green sold for 22 percent more per square foot and spent 12 percent less time on the market than their traditional counterparts. As a NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS® Green Designee, you’ll receive the training and resources to take advantage of these opportunities. Ongoing education about green materials, energy efficient technology, and green incentives will enable you to become a leader in the marketplace.

The demand for green will only continue to grow. Put yourself at the forefront of the green movement, and let the customers come to you. It’s not only the right thing for the environment and for the next generation, it’s the right thing for your business.